By Kyle Poluyko
Last year, Magnus Theatre opened its season with a rousing and consummate revival of A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline. This year, Magnus kicks off the 2013-14 season with a show similar in vein: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. While both showcased the musical and biographical elements of these timeless musical giants Buddy is a step above, a rousing season opener according to Director Mario Crudo. “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline was more of what has been coined as a jukebox musical,” Crudo says. “Though they had to be delivered with precision and conviction, Cline’s songs were the star of the show. Buddy,” Crudo continues, “is much less jukebox. There is more of a story to follow, telling of his rise to fame from a small town in Texas, his passionate courtship of and swift marriage to his wife Maria Elena, to a full-fledged rock ‘n roll superstar.”
Written by Alan Jones, this interactive musical adaptation of Holly’s tragically short career will be performed by a 13-person cast, including four local players. The infectious melodies of his 1950’s classics are sure to have audience members tapping their toes to infectious beats. From “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue,” to “Rave On,” the anthem of rock ‘n roll, all of Buddy Holly’s best are showcased. Jeff Giles leads the production as Holly—a triple threat whose versatility has many times done superb justice in the role to Holly. And, the multi-talented musical director Danny Johnson returns to ensure that musical perfection is achieved.
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story opens on Friday, September 19 and runs through October 5. For performance schedule, tickets and additional information contact the box office at 345-5552 or book online at magnus.on.ca.
